Extendable gun rests and methods

ABSTRACT

Gun rests that are easily extendable and lockable are disclosed. The gun rests can include an upper elongated support, a lower elongated support, a gun support, a handle and a base. The gun support can be secured to the upper elongated support. The upper elongated support may be slidably engaged within the lower elongated support or the lower elongated support may be slidably engaged within the upper elongated support. The actuator is operably connected to a locking mechanism to lock the upper elongated support and lower elongated support in a fixed relative position. Depression of the actuator may bias the tube engagement members against the lower elongated support and allows the locking of the gun rest in one of a plurality of lengths.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Summary of the Invention

The present inventions relate to gun rests and, more particularly, gunrests having a variable length leg.

2. Description of the Related Art

Under certain circumstances, marksmen, such as hunters and targetshooters, may have trouble keeping the gun such as a rifle, shotgun or apistol example steady during the process of aiming and shooting. Anumber of factors can contribute to this difficulty. These factors caninclude weather, physical infirmities, weakening physical strength andawkward shooting locations. In addition, the marksman's target isfrequently moving. In these situations, a marksman needs to maintain adegree of mobility to track targets and to accommodate targets thatapproach from unexpected directions. Marksman will typically havegreater accuracy, success, and safety when their firearm is supported.Naturally occurring structures such as tree branches or rocks arefrequently used by hunters to support for a gun. However when no naturalsupport structures are available, a commercially available gun rest maybe used to support the gun. Most commercially available gun rests areconfigured to support a majority of the weight of the gun to allow themarksman to devote more time and energy toward aiming the firearm.

Many gun rests are in the form of a rigid pole of a fixed-position.These devices can be cumbersome to transport and carry while hunting.Further, the fixed length may make it difficult for the marksmen toproperly position the gun rest in a quickly changing shooting situationor to on a slope. Accordingly, a need exists for adjustable length gunrests.

Several designs for gun rests have employed variable length telescopinglegs. The telescoping legs have provided a range of mechanisms to adjustand secure their length. However, most of these mechanisms require atwo-handed or an otherwise complicated process to extend or collapse toan appropriate length. Examples of typical mechanisms include externalset screws, threaded support tube segments, choke collars, externalclamps, and bolts. These complicated mechanisms frequently require theuse of two hands to lock and unlock the tube and to adjust the tubelength. Some may require the use of additional tools to adjust and lockthe gun rest at a desired length, or for attachment to the gun barrel.Simplicity, speed and dependable performance are essential for ahunter's gun equipment. Accordingly, a need exists for a gun rest thatis quickly adjustable with a simple to operate robust mechanism.

Further, hunters are frequently in a position where they must move a gunrest as they target a game animal. Particularly on rough terrain, thiscan alter the length of the gun rest

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Apparatus and methods in accordance with the present inventions mayresolve many of the needs and shortcomings discussed above and willprovide additional improvements and advantages as will be recognized bythose skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure.

A gun rest in accordance with the present inventions may provide one ormore adjustable length legs and associated methods of use andadjustment. In one aspect, a gun rest in accordance with one or more ofthe present inventions may provide apparatus and methods for aiming afirearm in a wide range of horizontal directions. In another aspect, agun rest in accordance with one or more of the present inventions may belight weight. In another aspect, a gun rest in accordance with one ormore of the present inventions may be rapidly adjustable to a variety ofheights. In another aspect, a gun rest in accordance with one or more ofthe present inventions may be relatively noiselessly adjustable. Inanother aspect, a gun rest in accordance with one or more of the presentinventions may be simple and easy to use. In another aspect, a gun restin accordance with one or more of the present inventions may be heightadjustably by a simple actuator which can be operated using one hand. Inanother aspect, a gun rest in accordance with one or more of the presentinventions may be height adjustably by a simple actuator which can beoperated using a single finger. In another aspect, a gun rest inaccordance with one or more of the present inventions may be locked inposition by pushing or sliding an actuator which results in thefrictional locking of the gun rest in one of a plurality of lengths.

Gun rests in accordance with the present inventions may include two ormore slidably engaged support tubes which are locked at a desiredposition by movement of an actuator. The actuator may engage a lockingmechanism located internally and/or externally within the support tubes.The locking mechanism may incorporate one extendable engaging interiorsupport inside the upper and lower elongated supports and at least onefixed engaging exterior support inside the upper and lower elongatedsupports. The fixed engaging exterior supports can be fixedly connectedto the top mount which is fixedly connected to the upper elongatedsupport.

In one aspect, an extendable gun rest in accordance with the presentinventions includes a gun support, an actuator, an upper elongatedsupport, a lower elongated support, and a locking mechanism. The upperelongated support may define an upper cavity. The gun support may besecured to the upper elongated support. The actuator may be secured tothe upper elongated support slidable between at least a locked positionand a released position. The lower elongated may support defining alower cavity and telescopically secured to the upper elongated support.The locking mechanism may be secured to the upper elongated support. Thelocking mechanism is operably connected to the actuator to lock andunlock the relative positions of the upper elongated support and thelower elongated support. The locking mechanism can include a biasingelement and a first frictional element. The first frictional element caninclude or define a first frictional engaging surface. The biasingelement may communicate with the first frictional element to bias thefirst frictional engaging surface of the first frictional elementagainst an inner surface of the lower elongated support to secure arelative position of the upper elongated support and the lower elongatedsupport in one of a plurality of lengths. The locking mechanism caninclude a second frictional element defining a second frictionalengaging surface to engage an inner surface of the lower elongatedsupport. In one aspect, one side of the inner surface of the lowerelongated support may define a notch. In another aspect, opposing sidesof the inner surface of the lower elongated support may define notches.The upper elongated support may include a sleeve secured within theupper cavity. The sleeve may define a longitudinal passage. The biasingmember of the locking mechanism may extend through the longitudinalpassage. The first frictional element and/or second frictional elementmay be secured to the sleeve.

In another aspect, the present inventions may provide methods foradjusting a gun rest. The method may include a user sliding an actuatormovably secured to an upper elongated support from a locked to anunlocked position to release a locking mechanism engaged with an innersurface of a lower elongated support. Then, the user extending the lowerelongated support relative to the upper elongated support. The usercontacting an underlying surface with a portion of the lower elongatedsupport. The user sliding an actuator movably secured to the upperelongated support from an unlocked to a locked position within anactuator passage to engage the locking mechanism with an inner surfaceof the lower elongated support.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a gun rest in accordancewith the present inventions in a perspective view of an aspect;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in a cross-sectional sideview of an aspect of a gun rest in accordance with the presentinventions;

FIG. 2A illustrated an exemplary embodiment in a transversecross-sectional view of a gun rest along line 2A-2A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary embodiment in a partial side view of anactuator for a gun rest;

FIG. 3B illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of an actuatorfor a gun rest of FIG. 3A; FIG. 4A illustrates another exemplaryembodiment in a partial side view of an actuator for a gun rest;

FIG. 4B illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of an actuatorfor a gun rest of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A illustrates another exemplary embodiment in a partial side viewof an actuator for a gun rest;

FIG. 5B illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of an actuatorfor a gun rest of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A illustrates another exemplary embodiment in a partial side viewof an actuator for a gun rest;

FIG. 6B illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of an actuatorfor a gun rest of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary embodiment in a partial cross-sectionalside view of the junction of the upper elongated support and the lowerelongated support with an exemplary embodiment of the locking mechanismin the unlocked position;

FIG. 7B illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the junctionof the upper elongated support and the lower elongated support as inFIG. 7A with the locking mechanism in the locked position;

FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary embodiment in a partial cross-sectionalside view of the junction of the upper elongated support and the lowerelongated support with another exemplary embodiment of the lockingmechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 8B illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the junctionof the upper elongated support and the lower elongated support as inFIG. 8A with the locking mechanism in the locked position;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a locking mechanism in apartial cross-sectional side view;

FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a locking mechanismin a partial cross-sectional side view;

FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a locking mechanismin a partial cross-sectional side view;

FIG. 12 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a locking mechanismin a partial cross-sectional side view;

FIG. 13A illustrates an exemplary embodiment in a partialcross-sectional end view of gun rest having a first leg and a secondleg; and

FIG. 13B illustrates an exemplary embodiment in a partial side view ofgun rest having a first leg and a second leg.

All Figures are illustrated for ease of explanation of the basicteachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the Figureswith respect to number, position, relationship and dimensions of theparts to form the preferred aspect will be explained or will be withinthe skill of the art after the following description has been read andunderstood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions toconform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirementswill likewise be within the skill of the art after the followingdescription has been read and understood.

Where used in various Figures of the drawings, the same numeralsdesignate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “top,”“bottom,” “right,” “left,” “forward,” “rear,” “first,” “second,”“inside,” “outside,” and similar terms are used, the terms should beunderstood to reference only the structure shown in the drawings andutilized only to facilitate describing the illustrated aspects.Similarly, when the terms “proximal,” “distal,” and similar positionalterms are used, the terms should be understood to reference thestructures shown in the drawings as they will typically be understood bysomeone supporting a gun with an apparatus in accordance with thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The figures generally illustrate aspects of extendable gun rests 10including aspects of the present inventions. The particular exemplaryaspects of the gun rests 10 illustrated in the figures have been chosenfor ease of explanation and understanding of various aspects of thepresent inventions. These illustrated aspects are not meant to limit thescope of coverage but instead to assist in understanding the context ofthe language used in this specification and the appended claims.Accordingly, many variations from the illustrated aspects may beencompassed by the appended claims. Particularly, the exemplary aspectsprovided herein are generally illustrated with one or two extendablesupport members for exemplary purposes. Those skilled in the art willrecognize the application of the inventive principles of the presentapplication in aspects having two or more legs.

The present inventions provide extendable gun rests 10 adjustable andextendable to a plurality of lengths. The extendable gun rests 10 inaccordance with the present inventions may permit the rapid adjustmentand locking of the gun rest at one of a plurality of user selectedlengths. The gun rests 10 may be readily adapted for use with pistols,rifles or other firearms. The gun rests 10 may be carried in the hand ofa hunter that is not carrying a gun. While the shape of the upper andlower support members of the gun rests 10 are typically a cylindricaltube over at least a portion of their length, oval, square, or othercross-sectional shapes may also be used. Further, the overallconfiguration of the support members may be frusto-conical.

As illustrated throughout the Figures, extendable gun rests 10 generallyinclude an upper elongated support 12, a lower elongated support 14, anactuator 16, a locking mechanism 24 and a gun support 18. An extendablegun rest 10 in accordance with the present inventions may also include ahandle 20 and a base 22. The gun support 18 is typically attached to theupper elongated support 12. The handle 20 is typically integral orattached to the upper elongated support 12. The lower elongated support14 is typically secured to the upper elongated support 12 to allow theupper elongated support 12 and the lower elongated support 14 totelescope between a collapsed and extended configuration. The base 22 istypically attached to the lower elongated support 14.

The gun support 18 is configured to support a gun for resting orshooting. The gun support 18 is secured to the upper elongated support12. The gun support 18 typically includes aspects which are U-shaped orY-shaped to receive a barrel or stock of gun. However, the gun support18 may be otherwise shaped to support a gun as will be recognized bythose skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure. The gunsupport 18 may be made of aluminum, steel, plastic or other materials.The materials or combinations of materials are typically selected andutilized in a way that will not scratch a gun. In one aspect, the gunsupport 18 may be integral with the upper elongated support 12. The gunsupport 18 may also be a separate component which is attached by variousfasteners, welding, adhesives or other methods that will be recognizedby those skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure. Inone aspect, the gun support 18, the upper elongated support 12 and thehandle 20 may be integral and manufactured as single component.

The handle 20 is typically graspable by the hunter while shooting andwhen a gun is resting in the gun support 18. The handle 20 may beattached to the upper elongated support 12. The handle 20 may be made ofa soft material and allows easy gripping of the gun rest 10 to aid insupporting a gun. The handle 20 may be wrapped with high friction shockabsorbing materials such as, for example, plastics, rubbers or otherelastomers with similar characteristics. In one aspect, an actuatorpassage 26 may extend through the handle 20 to receive the actuator 16.

The upper elongated support 12 is generally to support at least theweight of a gun. The upper elongated support 12 is typically less thanfour feet in length. The upper elongated support 12 is typically formedfrom a metal, polymer, composite material, or other material that islightweight and robust. The upper elongated support 12 includes a bottomend and a top end. The upper elongated support 12 typically defines anupper cavity 37. The upper cavity 37 is typically defined at the bottomend of the upper elongated support 12. The upper cavity 37 may becircular, oval, square, triangular or otherwise shaped transversecross-section. In one aspect, the upper cavity 37 may be configured toslidably receive at least a portion of the lower elongated support 14.In one aspect, the upper elongated support 12 may be in the form of atube. One end of the tube's longitudinal passage can be covered byvarious aspects of the handle 12 and/or gun support 18 to form thelongitudinal passage into an upper cavity 37. The upper elongatedsupport 12 has an outer surface 112 and an inner surface 212. Anactuator passage 26 may extend through the upper elongated support 12 toreceive the actuator 16. An upper stop 38 may be provided adjacent tothe opening of upper cavity 37. In one aspect, the upper stop 38 mayextend inward into the opening of upper cavity 37. In another aspect,the upper stop 38 may extend outward away from the opening of the uppercavity 37.

The inner surface 212 or the outer surface 112 of the upper elongatedsupport 12 may include a plurality of notches 39. The notches 39 may bedefined by the inner surface 212 or the outer surface 112. Typically,the notches 39 extend longitudinally along at least a portion of thelength of the lower cavity 47. The outer surface 112 of the upperelongated support 12 may define a plurality of notches 39 linearlyspaced along on one side of the lower cavity 47. The inner surface 212of the upper elongated support 12 may define a plurality of notches 39linearly spaced along opposing sides of the upper cavity 37. The notches39 may allow the engagement of one or more frictional elements 44 in oneof the plurality of notches 39 on the lower support 14 to lock therelative position of the lower elongated support 14 and the upperelongated support 12.

The lower elongated support 14 is generally to support at least theweight of a gun. The lower elongated support 14 is typically less thanfour feet in length. The lower elongated support 14 is typically formedfrom a metal, polymer, composite material, or other material that islightweight and robust. The lower elongated support 14 includes a bottomend and a top end. The lower elongated support 14 typically defines alower cavity 47. The lower cavity 47 is typically defined at the top endof the lower elongated support 14. The lower cavity 47 may be circular,oval, square, triangular or otherwise shaped transverse cross-section.In one aspect, the lower cavity 47 may be configured to slidably receiveat least a portion of the upper elongated support 12. In one aspect, thelower elongated support 14 may be in the form of a tube. One end of thetube's longitudinal passage can be covered by various aspects of thehandle 20 and/or gun support 18 to form the longitudinal passage into alower cavity 47. The lower elongated support 14 has an outer surface 114and an inner surface 214. A lower stop 40 may be provided adjacent tothe opening of lower cavity 47. In one aspect, the lower stop 40 mayextend outward away from the opening of lower cavity 47. In anotheraspect, the lower stop 40 may extend into the opening of lower cavity47.

The inner surface 214 or the outer surface 114 of the lower elongatedsupport 14 may include a plurality of notches 39. The notches 39 may bedefined by the inner surface 214 or the outer surface 114. Typically,the notches 39 extend longitudinally along at least a portion of thelength of the upper cavity 37. The outer surface 114 of the lowerelongated support 14 may define a plurality of notches 39 linearlyspaced along on one side of the lower cavity 47. The inner surface 214of the lower elongated support 14 may define a plurality of notches 39linearly spaced along opposing sides of the lower cavity 47. The notches39 may allow the engagement of one or more frictional elements 44 in oneof a plurality of notches 39 on the lower support 14 to lock therelative position of the lower elongated support 14 and the upperelongated support 12.

The upper elongated support 12 and the lower elongated support 14 aregenerally telescopingly engaged with one another. In one aspect, theupper elongated support 12 may be slidably secured within a lower cavity47 of the lower elongated support 14. In this aspect, the lowerelongated support 14, at least for the length of the lower cavity 47,has a larger diameter (or other outside dimension) than the upperelongated support 12. In another aspect, the lower elongated support 14may be slidably secured within the upper cavity 37 of the upperelongated support 12. In this aspect, the upper elongated support 12, atleast for the length of the upper cavity 37, has a larger diameter (orother outside dimension) than the lower elongated support 14. In certainconfigurations, the upper stop 38 and the lower stop 40 may cooperate tosecure the upper elongated support 12 and the lower elongated support 14to one another. In one aspect, the physical engagement of the upper stop38 with the lower stop 40 can prevent the upper elongated support 12from disengaging from the lower elongated support 14.

A base 22 may be fixedly attached or detachable from the lower elongatedsupport 14. The base 22 can be configured to contact the ground andprovide support or foundation for a gun rest 10. In certain aspects, thebase 22 may be pointed or plug-shaped or stopper-shaped. A plug-shapedaspect of base 22 may, for example, be constructed out of soft, grippingmaterials including rubber or other elastomers with similarcharacteristics.

The gun rest 10 further includes an actuator 16 which may permit a userto lock and/or unlock the relative position of the upper elongatedsupport 12 and the lower elongated support 14. The actuator 16 may takethe form of a trigger, button, slide, lever or other form. The actuator16 may extend through an actuator passage 26 in the upper elongatedsupport 12. The actuator passage 26 may extend from an outer surface 112to an inner surface 212. The actuator 16 may be attached to the innersurface 112 of the upper elongated support 12 or be slidably receivablein an actuator passage 26 which passes from one side to the other sidethrough the handle 20 or upper elongated support 12. The actuator 16 mayengage and disengage the locking mechanism 24 to secure the relativepositions of the upper support tube 12 and lower support tube 14.

The actuator 16 may be attached directly or indirectly to the lockingmechanism 24. The actuator 16 may be attached directly to the upperelongated support 12 or may pass through a passage in the upperelongated support 12. The actuator 16 may be cylindrically shaped orhave various other shapes.

The actuator 16 may be attached to a biasing member 32. The actuator 16may be attached to a connecting element 58 which is attached to thebiasing member 32. The actuator 16 may engage or disengage biasingmember 32 to permit the extension or collapse of the upper elongatedsupport 12 and the lower elongated support 14.

Locking Mechanisms

The biasing member 32, the first support 34, and the second support 36all have a first end and a second end. The biasing member 32 may passthrough a biasing member guide 30. The first support 34 is attached at afirst end to a first attachment point 33 to the inner surface of theupper elongated support 12. The second support 36 is attached at a firstend to a second attachment point 35 to the inner surface of the upperelongated support 12. The upper elongated support 12 may be made fromflexible materials such as rubber or plastic or other elastomeric orlight weight materials. The biasing member 32 and the first support 34and the second support 36 may be made from various lightweight materialsincluding aluminum, steel or plastic. Attachment may be by riveting,welding or screwing. Aspects of locking mechanisms 24 are described infurther detail below.

The locking mechanism 24 to lock the upper tube 12 in one of a pluralityof positions relative to the lower tube 14 may include one or moresupports from the biasing member 32, the first support 34, and thesecond support 36. One or more of the biasing member 32, the firstsupport 34 and the second support 36 may be connected to a biasingelement 42, a first frictional element 44, and a second frictionalelement 46. The biasing member 32, the first support 34 and the secondsupport 36 may be attached at a first end to the upper elongated support12.

In one configuration, the locking mechanism 24 may involve the biasingof one or more biasing elements 42 directly or indirectly against theinner surface 214 of the lower elongated support 14. The firstfrictional element 44 and second frictional element 46 or stationarybiasing element 70 and movable biasing element 72 may be biased againstthe inner surface of the lower support 14.

In another configuration, the locking mechanism 24 may involve theengagement of a first frictional element 44 in a notch 39 on the innersurface of the lower support 14.

In another configuration, the locking mechanism 24 may involve theengagement of a first frictional element 44 in a notch 39 on the outersurface of the lower support 14.

In one aspect of the locking mechanism 24, a biasing element 42 isattached to the biasing member 32 at a second end. The first frictionalelement 44 is attached to the first support 34 at a second end. Thefirst frictional element 44 may be attached by welding, riveting orscrewing. The second frictional element 46 is attached to the secondsupport 36 at a second end. The second frictional element 44 may beattached by welding, riveting or screwing.

The external surfaces of the first frictional element 44 and the secondfrictional element 46 most closely juxtaposed to the biasing element 42,act as a friction pad or frictional engaging surface.

The external surfaces of the biasing element 42 most closely juxtaposed(opposed) to the surfaces of the first frictional element 44 and thesecond frictional element 46 act as a friction pad or frictionalengaging surface.

The engagement of the biasing element 42 with the first frictionalelement 44 and the second frictional element 46 results in the firstfrictional element 44 and the second frictional element 46 contactingthe inner surface 214 of the lower elongated support 14 preventingfurther telescoping of the upper elongated support 12 relative to thelower elongated support 14. The engagement of the biasing element 42,the first frictional element 44, and the second frictional element 46locks the position of upper elongated support 12 relative to lowerelongated support 14. The force of the first frictional element 44, andthe second frictional element 46 against the inner surface 214 of lowerelongated support 14 is sufficient to support the weight of a gun on agun rest 10 in the locked position and to prevent further extendable ortelescopic movement of the upper elongated support 12 and the lowerelongated support 14 relative to one another.

The surfaces of the biasing element 42, the first frictional element 44and the second frictional element 46 may be of high friction materialssuch as for example, high friction brake pad lining. The first support34 and the second support 36 may be half-cylindrical. The biasingelement 42 may be conical. The first frictional element 44 and thesecond frictional element 46 may have reverse-conical depressions. Thefirst support 34 and the second support 36 may be convex, cupped,inverse-conical or have a self-centering configuration.

In another aspect of the locking mechanism 24, a stationary biasingelement 70 is attached to the first support 34 at a second end. Themovable biasing element 72 is attached to the biasing member 32 at asecond end. The stationary biasing element 70 and movable biasingelement 72 may be attached to the biasing member 32 and the firstsupport 34 by welding, riveting or screwing.

The external surface of the stationary biasing element 70 most closelyjuxtaposed to the movable biasing element 72 acts as a friction pad orfrictional engaging surface. The external surface of the movable biasingelement 72 most closely juxtaposed to the stationary biasing element 70acts as a friction pad or frictional engaging surface.

The engagement of the stationary biasing element 70 with the movablebiasing element 72 results in the stationary biasing element 70 and themovable biasing element 72 contacting the inner surface 214 of the lowerelongated support 14. The force of the stationary biasing element 70 andthe movable biasing element 72 contacting the inner surface of the lowerelongated support 14 is sufficient to support the weight of a gun on agun rest 10 in the locked position. This engagement of stationarybiasing element 70 with the movable biasing element 72 locks theposition of upper elongated support 12 relative to tube 14 and preventsfurther extendable or telescopic movement of the tubes. This aspect ofthe locking mechanism 24 provides a force sufficient to support theweight of a gun on a gun rest 10 in the locked position.

The biasing member 32 and the first support 34 and the second support 36may be made from various lightweight materials including aluminum, steelor plastic. Attachment may be by riveting, welding or screwing. Thesurfaces of stationary biasing element 70 and movable biasing element 72may be of high friction materials such as for example, high frictionbrake pad lining.

A further aspect of the locking mechanism 24 may employ a plurality ofnotches 39 on the inner surface 214 or outer surface 114 of the lowersupport 14. The lower elongated support 14 may be of a larger diameteror a smaller diameter than the upper elongated support 12. A firstfrictional element 44 may engage in one of a plurality of notches 39 tolock the gun rest 10 in one of a plurality of lengths. The firstfrictional element 44 may be attached to the first support 34 at asecond end.

FIG. 1 illustrates a particular exemplary aspect of a gun rest 10 inaccordance with aspects of the present inventions. As illustrated, theexemplary gun rest 10 includes a gun support 18, a handle 20, anactuator 16, an upper elongated support 12, a lower elongated support 14and a base 22. The gun support 18 is illustrated as integral with ahandle 20. The gun support 18 is in a U-shaped configuration to receiveand support a gun. The gun support 18 extends upward from an upperportion of the handle 20. An actuator 16 extends through an actuatorpassage 26 through the handle 20 and is positioned below the gun support18. As illustrated, the actuator 16 extends from a first side to asecond side of the handle 20. The actuator 16 is particularly configuredto slide between a locked position and an unlocked position. Theactuator 16 typically slides in a substantially linear fashion such thata user may move the actuator 16 from a unlocked to a locked positionusing a single finger. In the unlocked position, the actuator 16 mayextend from a first side of the handle 20. In the locked position, theactuator 16 may extend from a second side of the handle 20. Accordinglyas illustrated, the actuator 16 may be slid from a first position to asecond position with the thumb of a user and from a second position to afirst position with the index finger of a user. The handle 20 isillustrated as secured to the upper elongated support 12. The upperelongated support 12 and the handle 20 generally define a longitudinalaxis 300. For exemplary purposes, the handle 20 is generally positionedabove the upper elongated support 12 along the longitudinal axis 300.The lower elongated support 14 is slidably engaged within the upperelongated support 12. As illustrated, the upper elongated support 12 andthe lower elongated support 14 are telescopingly engaged to permit thelower elongated support 14 to be received within an upper cavity 37 (asshown in FIG. 2) or passage defined by the upper elongated support 12.The lower elongated support 14 may be securable relative to the upperelongated support 12 to vary the length along the longitudinal axis 300of the gun rest 10. A base 22 is shown secured to the bottom of thelower elongated support 14. As illustrated, the lower portion of thelower elongated support 14 may be secured within a base cavity definedby the base 22. As illustrated, the base 22 is configured to provide anincreased footprint to prevent the penetration of the lower elongatedsupport into an underlying surface when the surface is soft.

FIG. 2 illustrates a longitudinal cross-section of an exemplary gun rest10 in accordance with aspects of the present inventions similar to theaspect illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated, the exemplary gun rest 10includes a locking mechanism 24 positioned within an upper cavity 37 ofthe upper elongated support 12 and lower cavity of the lower elongatedsupport 14. The illustrated locking mechanism 24 is in communicationwith the actuator 16 to secure the relative position of the upperelongated support 12 and lower elongated support 14 when the actuator isslid into a locked position and to permit the relative sliding of theupper elongated support 12 and the lower elongated support 14 when slidinto unlocked position. As illustrated, the locking mechanism 24includes biasing member 32, a biasing element 42, a first frictionalelement 44 and a second frictional element 46. The biasing member 32 issecured to the actuator 16 to cause the biasing member 32 to extenddownward when the actuator 16 is slid from an unlocked to a lockedposition. As illustrated, a substantially rigid connecting element 58 ispivotally attached to the actuator at a first end and the biasing member32 at a second end. When the actuator 16 is slid to an unlocked positionfrom a locked position, the biasing member 32 is configured to moveupward along the longitudinal axis 300. The biasing element 42 issecured to the biasing member 32 in a position that brings the biasingmember 32 into contact with the first frictional element 44 and thesecond frictional element 46 as the actuator 16 is slid into a lockedposition. As illustrated, the biasing element 42 moves downward as theactuator 16 is slid into the locked position to contact the firstfrictional element 44 and the second frictional element 46 to bias thefirst frictional element 44 and the second frictional element 46. Anangled or conical shaped, as illustrated, surface of the biasing element42 may contact a surface of one or more of the first frictional element44 and the second frictional element 46 to bring the first frictionalelement 44 and the second frictional element 46 into contact with theinner surface of lower elongated support 14 which defines a lower cavity47. In one aspect, biasing member 32 may have sufficient rigidity toexert a downward force on biasing element 42 to permit first frictionalelement 44 and second frictional element 46 to maintain the relativeposition of the upper elongated support 12 and the lower elongatedsupport 14 when a compressional force is applied between the upperelongated support 12 and the lower elongated support 14. The firstfrictional element 44 and the second frictional element 46 are securedrelative to the upper elongated support 12 to prevent the relativemovement of the upper elongated support 12 and the lower elongatedsupport 14 when the first frictional element 44 and the secondfrictional element 46 frictionally engage the inner surface 214 of thelower cavity 47. As particularly illustrated, a first support 34 and asecond support 36 secure the first frictional element 44 and secondfrictional element 36 relative to upper elongated support 12. In oneaspect, first support 34 and second support 36 may combine to havesufficient rigidity to withstand compressional forces exerted betweenthe upper elongated support 12 and the lower elongated support 14. Theupper elongated support 12 may include an upper stop 38 and the lowerelongated support 14 may include a lower stop 40. The stops may functionto prevent the lower elongated support 14 from disengaging from theupper cavity 37 of the upper elongated support 12.

FIG. 2A illustrates a transverse cross section of an exemplary gun rest10 in accordance with aspects of the present inventions. As illustrated,a first support 34 is secured to a first frictional element 44 and asecond support 36 is secured to a second frictional element 46. Further,as illustrated, the upper elongated support member 12 and lowerelongated support 14 have a substantially circular profile. Theelongated supports 34, 36 may be oval or circular or rectangular incross-section or have another cross-sectional shape. As illustrated, thefrictional elements 44, 46 may be semicircular in cross-sectional shapeand have a semicircular portion removed about the midpoint of the linearside. This semicircular portion removed may be a semi-conical section inthree dimensional shape. As the actuator 16 is slid into the lockedposition, the biasing member 32 is forced downward along longitudinalaxis 300 causing the biasing element 42 to contact the first frictionalelement 44 and the second frictional element 46 and to bias the firstfrictional element 44 and the second frictional element 46 outwardagainst an inner surface 214 of a lower cavity 47 defined in the lowerelongated support 14.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an upper portion of an exemplary gun rest 10in accordance with aspects of the present inventions similar to theaspect illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of anactuator 16 extending longitudinally through an actuator passage 26positioned below the gun rest 18 and above the handle 20. FIG. 3Billustrates a cross-section of the gun rest 10 of FIG. 3A incross-section and rotated approximately 90 degrees. Actuator 16 passesthrough an actuator passage 26 from a first side to a second side of theupper elongated support 12. A connecting element 58 is secured betweenthe actuator 16 and an upper portion of the biasing member 32. Theactuator 16 may be secured to a first end of the connecting element 58.The biasing member 32 may be secured to a second end of the connectingelement 58. A second end of the connecting element 58 may be attached ata second end to biasing member 32. The biasing member 32 is slidablysecured within a biasing member guide 30 which permits the movement ofthe biasing member 32 along the longitudinal axis 300 of the gun rest10. A guide passage 81 within biasing member guide 82 may be orientedparallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 300 of thegun rest 10. As illustrated in solid lines, the actuator 16 is in anunlocked position. In the unlocked position, the angle 200 between thelongitudinal axis 300 and the axis of the connecting element 58 isgreater than 0 degrees and is typically around 30 to 60 degrees. Thistends to draw biasing member 32 upward and disengages the lockingmechanism 24. As illustrated in phantom, the actuator 16 is in a lockedposition. In the locked position, the angle 200 between the longitudinalaxis 300 and the axis of the connecting member is typically less thanthe angle 200 for the same aspect in the unlocked position. In certainaspects, the angle 200 may be as small as 0 degrees when the actuator 16is in the locked position. Reducing the angle 200 tends to move thebiasing member 32 downward to engage the locking mechanism 24 in alocked position. The actuator passage 26 as illustrated extendssubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 300. Accordingly,sliding the actuator 16 through the actuator passage 26 from a firstside to a second side of the upper elongated support 12 moves connectingelement 58 from an unlocked position to a locked position therebyextending biasing member 32 along a longitudinal axis 300 and bringingbiasing element 42 into contact with the first frictional element 44 andthe second frictional element 46 as generally illustrated for exemplarypurposes.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an upper portion of an exemplary gun rest 10in accordance with aspects of the present inventions. FIG. 4Aillustrates a side view of an actuator 16 extending longitudinallythrough an actuator passage 26 positioned below the gun rest 18 andabove the handle 20. FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-section of the gun rest10 of FIG. 4A in cross-section and rotated approximately 90 degrees. Asillustrated, the actuator is generally configured to transfer a downwardforce applied to a first end of the actuator 16 to the biasing member 32to lock the relative position of the upper elongated support 12 andlower elongated support 14. The first end of the actuator 16 is slidablyreceived within an actuator passage 26 defined on a first side of thehandle 20 with a portion of the first end extending from an outersurface of the handle 20 or upper elongated support 12. The actuatorpassage 26 is illustrated for exemplary purposes as a slot extendingfrom an outer surface of handle 20 to a biasing member passage 31through the first side of handle 20. The slot is shown extendingsubstantially parallel with the longitudinal axis 300 and into thehandle 20 beyond the longitudinal axis 300. The actuator 16 is pivotallysecured at pivot point 62 to an inner surface of an upper cavity 37 ofthe handle 20 or upper elongated tube 12. The pivot point 62 may belocated on a second side of the handle 20 or upper elongated tube 12. Inone aspect, the actuator 16 is secured to the pivot point 62 at a secondend of the actuator 16. The second side of the upper cavity 37 is shownon the diametrically opposite the first side of the upper cavity 37. Theactuator 16 may slidably engage the biasing member 32 at an arcuatesurface. Generally, the closer the distance between pivot point 62 andthe point of engagement by the arcuate surface, the greater the leverageexerted by the actuator 16 on the elongated member. As illustrated inphantom, the actuator 16 is in an unlocked position when positioned inan upper portion of the actuator passage 26. As illustrated in solidlines, the actuator 16 is in a locked position when moved downwardwithin the actuator passage 26. Accordingly, sliding the actuator 16downward along the actuator passage 26 generally parallel to thelongitudinal axis 300 of the upper elongated support 12 moves theactuator 16 from an unlocked position to a locked position therebyextending biasing member 32 along a longitudinal axis 300 and bringingbiasing element 42 into contact with the first frictional element 44 andthe second frictional element 46 as generally illustrated for exemplarypurposes.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an upper portion of an exemplary gun rest 10in accordance with aspects of the present inventions. FIG. 5Aillustrates a side view of an actuator 16 extending longitudinallythrough an actuator passage 26 positioned below the gun rest 18 andabove the handle 20. FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-section of the gun rest10 of FIG. 5A in cross-section and rotated approximately 90 degrees. Asillustrated, the actuator 16 is generally configured to transfer adownward force applied to a first end of the actuator 16 to the biasingmember 32 to lock the relative position of the upper elongated support12 and the lower elongated support 14. The actuator passage 26 isillustrated for exemplary purposes as a slot extending from an outersurface of handle 20 to a biasing member passage 31 through the firstside of handle 20. The slot is shown extending substantially parallelwith the longitudinal axis 300 and into the handle 20 beyond thelongitudinal axis 300. As illustrated, the actuator 16 may be of a slideor rocker type mechanism. In a sliding aspect illustrated by solidlines, the first end of the actuator 16 is slidably received within anactuator passage 26 defined on a first side of the handle 20 with aportion of the first end extending from an outer surface of the handle20 or upper elongated support 12. The actuator 16 is configured to slidelongitudinally along a line substantially parallel to the longitudinalaxis 300. The biasing member 32 may be secured on a second end of theactuator 16. The actuator 16 is in an unlocked position when positionedin an upper portion of the linear actuator passage 26. The actuator 16would be in a locked position when slid downward within the linearactuator passage 26. Accordingly, sliding the actuator 16 downward alongthe actuator passage 26 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 300of the upper elongated support 12 moves the actuator 16 from an unlockedposition to a locked position thereby extending biasing member 32 alonga longitudinal axis 300 and bringing biasing element 42 into contactwith the first frictional element 44 and the second frictional element46 as generally illustrated for exemplary purposes. In the rockingaspect illustrated in both phantom and solid lines, the first end of theactuator 16 extends from the actuator passage and is pivotally securedto the handle 20 or upper elongated support 12 at a pivot point 62. Theactuator 16 is secured to the biasing member 32 at a connection 50adjacent a second end of the actuator 16. The pivot point 62 ispositioned between the first end and the connection 50. The actuator 16is slidably received within an actuator passage 26 as it pivots aboutpivot point 62. The actuator 16 is configured to slide longitudinallyalong a line substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 300 andabout an arc around pivot point 62. The biasing member 32 may be securedon a second end of the actuator 16. In this rocking embodiment, theactuator 16 is in an locked position when positioned in an upper portionof the linear actuator passage 26. The actuator 16 would be in anunlocked position when slid downward within the linear actuator passage26. Accordingly, sliding the actuator 16 downward in a rocking motionalong the actuator passage 26 moves the actuator 16 from a lockedposition to an unlocked position moving biasing member 32 upward along alongitudinal axis 300 and withdrawing biasing element 42 from contactwith the first frictional element 44 and the second frictional element46.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary gun rest 10 inaccordance with aspects of the present inventions. An actuator bridge 21may be secured at a first position and a second position, diametricallyopposed to one another, on the top end of handle 20. The actuator bridge21 may generally have the same or larger cross-sectional circumferencethan the end of handle 20. A gun support 18 may be secured at a positionon the actuator bridge 21 along a longitudinal axis 300 from the top endof the handle 20. An actuator bridge cavity 23 or actuator bridgepassage may be defined by the upper elongated support 12, the actuatorbridge 21 and the gun support 18 and may be semicircular or square orother shape. As illustrated, actuator 16 may pass through actuatorpassage 26 along a longitudinal axis 300 on a top end of an upperelongated support 12. The actuator 16 may have a ring or platform 64secured at a first end that may accommodate a thumb or finger. Theactuator bridge cavity 23 may accommodate the actuator 16 in an unlockedand a locked position. The actuator 16 may be connected at a second endto a biasing member 32. Sliding the actuator 16 with a finger or thumbin the actuator passage 26 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis300 of the upper elongated support 12 moves the actuator 16 from anunlocked position to a locked position thereby extending biasing member32 along a longitudinal axis 300 and bringing biasing element 42 intocontact with the first frictional element 44 and the second frictionalelement 46 as generally illustrated for exemplary purposes. Asillustrated, the actuator 16 may have detent passages 66 along thevertical length of the actuator 16. Sliding the actuator 16 downwardlyin the actuator passage 26 may engage a detent 68 and spring 69 in anotch 132 along biasing member 32 which may secure the actuator 16 in alocked position.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate cross sections of a locking mechanism 24 ofan exemplary gun rest 10 in accordance with aspects of the presentinventions. FIG. 7A shows a first aspect of a locking mechanism 24 in anunlocked position. A biasing member 32 may be secured to biasing element42, a first support 34 may be secured to a first frictional element 44and a second support 36 may be secured to a second frictional element46. In the unlocked position illustrated in FIG. 7A, the biasing element42 is not in contact with the frictional elements 44, 46. The frictionalelements 44 and 46 are not in contact with the inner surface 214 of thelower cavity 47.

FIG. 7B shows a first aspect of a locking mechanism 24 in a lockedposition. As the actuator 16 is slid into the locked position, themovement of the biasing member 32 downward along a longitudinal axis 300brings the biasing element 42 into contact with the first frictionalelement 44 and the second frictional element 46 and forces thefrictional elements 44 and 46 into contact with the inner surface 214 ofthe lower cavity 47 of the lower elongated support 14. This frictionalcontact interlocks the upper elongated support 12 and the lowerelongated support 14 in one of a plurality of lengths.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate cross sections of a locking mechanism 24 ofan exemplary gun rest 10 in accordance with aspects of the presentinventions. FIG. 8A shows a second aspect of a locking mechanism 24 inan unlocked position. A biasing member 32 may be attached to a movablebiasing element 72 and a first support 34 may be attached to astationary biasing element 70. In the unlocked position, the stationarybiasing element 70 is not in contact with the movable biasing element 72and neither the stationary biasing element 70 nor the movable biasingelement 72 are in contact with the inner surface of the lower cavity 47of the lower elongated support 14.

FIG. 8B shows a second aspect of the locking mechanism 24 in a lockedposition. As the actuator 16 is slid into the locked position, movementof the biasing member 32 downwardly generally parallel to a longitudinalaxis 300 results in the movable biasing element 72 contacting thestationary biasing element 70 and moving the movable biasing element 72and the stationary biasing element 70 into contact with the innersurface 47 of the lower elongated support 14. This frictional contactinterlocks the upper elongated support 12 and the lower elongatedsupport 14 in one of a plurality of lengths.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a third aspect of thelocking mechanism 24 in the locked position of an exemplary gun rest 10in accordance with aspects of the present inventions. A biasing member32 may be secured to biasing element 42, a first support 34 may besecured to a first frictional element 44 at a first end and a secondsupport 36 may be secured to a second frictional element 46 at a firstend. Notches 39 may be defined by the inner surface 212 of the lowerelongated support 14 and may extend longitudinally along at least aportion of the length of the lower cavity 47. A first end of a firstconnection element 90 may be secured to a second end of a firstfrictional element 44. A first end of a second connection element 92 maybe secured to a second end of a second frictional element 46. A spring96 may be secured at a first end to a second end of a first connectionelement 90 and a second end of a second connection element 92. Thespring 96 may be configured to bias the first frictional element 44 andsecond frictional element 46 inward. In a third aspect, as the actuator16 is slid into the locked position, the movement of biasing member 32downward along a longitudinal axis 300 brings the biasing element 42into contact with the first frictional element 44 and the secondfrictional element 46 and to bias the second frictional element 46outward against the inner surface of the lower cavity 47 and to bias thefirst frictional element 44 into one of the several equally spacednotches 39 defined by the inner surface 214 of the lower cavity 47 ofthe lower elongated support 14. This frictional contact interlocks theupper elongated support 12 and the lower elongated support 14 in one ofa plurality of lengths.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fourth aspect of thelocking mechanism 24 in the locked position of an exemplary gun rest 10in accordance with aspects of the present inventions. A biasing member32 may be secured to biasing element 42, a first support 34 may besecured to a first frictional element 44 and a second support 36 may besecured to a second frictional element 46. Notches 39 may be defined bythe inner surface 214 of the lower elongated support 14 and may extendlongitudinally along at least a portion of the length of the lowercavity 47. The lower elongated support 14 may be of greatercircumference or diameter or cross-sectional area than the upperelongated support 12. In a fourth aspect, as the actuator 16 is slidinto the locked position, the movement of biasing member 32 downwardalong a longitudinal axis 300 brings the biasing element 42 into contactwith the first frictional element 44 and the second frictional element46 and to bias the second frictional element 46 outward against theinner surface of the lower cavity 47 and to bias the first frictionalelement 44 into one of the several equally spaced notches 39 defined bythe inner surface 214 of the lower cavity 47 of the lower elongatedsupport 14. This frictional contact interlocks the upper elongatedsupport 12 and the lower elongated support 14 in one of a plurality oflengths. To disengage first frictional element 44 from notches 39 aspring 96 may be provided to bias the first frictional element 44inward. For exemplary purposes, spring 96 is shown as a leaf springconferring an inwardly biasing force to frictional element 44 throughits contact with first support 34.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fifth aspect of thelocking mechanism 24 in the locked position of an exemplary gun rest 10in accordance with aspects of the present inventions. The lowerelongated support 14 may be of greater circumference or diameter orcross-sectional area than the upper elongated support 12. A sleeve 80may be secured at the inner surface 212 of the distal end of upperelongated support 12. The biasing member 32 may pass through asubstantially longitudinal cavity 81 in sleeve 80. A biasing element 32may be secured to a biasing element 42. A first frictional element 44may be secured by a first connection element 90 to sleeve 80 at a firstconnection point 91. A second frictional element 46 may be secured by asecond connection element 92 to sleeve 80 at a second connection point93. End plate 86 may be secured by a third connection element 94 to thebiasing element 42. A biasing member spring 88 may be present in thelower elongated support 14 and contact the bottom end of the lowerelongated support 14 and the end plate 86 and provide an elongatingtension to tend to extend the upper elongated support 12 relative to thelower elongated support 14. In a fifth aspect, as the actuator 16 isslid into the locked position, the movement of biasing member 32downward along a longitudinal axis 300, traversing cavity 81, brings thebiasing element 42 into contact with the first frictional element 44 andthe second frictional element 46 and results in the frictional elements44, 46 contacting the inner surface 214 of the lower cavity 47. Thisfrictional contact interlocks the upper elongated support 12 and thelower elongated support 14 in one of a plurality of lengths.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sixth aspect of thelocking mechanism 24 in the locked position of an exemplary gun rest 10in accordance with aspects of the present inventions. The lowerelongated support 14 may be of greater circumference or diameter orcross-sectional area than the upper elongated support 12. A biasingmember 32 may be secured to a biasing element 42. A first connectionelement 90 may be secured at a first end to the inner surface 212 of theupper elongated support 12 and at a second end to a first frictionalelement 44. A second connection element 92 may be secured at a first endto the inner surface 212 of the upper elongated support 12 and at asecond end to a second frictional element 46. In a sixth aspect, as theactuator 16 is slid into the locked position, movement of the biasingmember 32 downward along a longitudinal axis 300 brings the biasingelement 42 into contact with the first frictional element 44 and thesecond frictional element 46 and biases the flange collars 82, 84outwardly against the inner surface 214 of the lower cavity 47. Thisfrictional contact interlocks the upper elongated support 12 and thelower elongated support 14 in one of a plurality of lengths.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a gun rest 10 in accordance with thepresent inventions having first and second extendable legs. Asillustrated, the gun rest 10 includes a gun rest 18, a handle 20, afirst upper elongated support 12′, a first lower elongated support 14′ asecond upper elongated support 12″ and a second lower elongated support14″. The gun rest 18 may function as the actuator 16 and is biasedupward by a biasing member spring 88. For exemplary purposes, the firstupper elongated support 12′ and the second upper elongated support 12″are illustrated as movably attached to the handle 20 to permitadjustment of the adjustment of the angle between the first upperelongated support 12′ and the second upper elongated support 12″. Eachof the first upper elongated support 12′ and the second upper elongatedsupport 12″ are secured to the handle 20 by a bolt 61 and nut 63. Eachnut 63 may include a grip 65 to permit a user to easily lock and unlockthe position of the first upper elongated support 12′ and the secondelongated support 12″ by loosening or tightening, respectively, of theassociated nut 63. A biasing member 32 extends through handle 20 andcommunicates at least a downward motion to a first biasing member 32′and a second biasing member 32″ extending through the first upperelongated support 12′ and second upper elongated support 12″,respectively. As illustrated, the biasing member 32 include an arcuatebiasing element 67 that communicates the downward movement to the firstbiasing member 32′ or the second biasing member 32″ over a range ofangles of the first upper elongated support 12′ and second upperelongated support 12″ relative to the handle 20. The first biasingmember 32′ and the second biasing member 32″ cooperate with othercomponents of the locking mechanism 24, not shown, to relatively securethe first upper elongated support 12′ and the first lower elongatedsupport 14′ and to relatively secure the second upper elongated support12″ and the second lower elongated support 14″.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplaryaspects of the present invention. Upon review of the specification, oneskilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and fromthe accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes,modifications and variations can be made therein without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the followingclaims.

1. An extendable gun rest, comprising: an upper elongated supportdefining an upper cavity; a gun support secured to the upper elongatedsupport; an actuator secured to the upper elongated support slidablebetween at least a locked position and a released position; a lowerelongated support defining a lower cavity and telescopically secured tothe upper elongated support; and a locking mechanism secured to theupper elongated support, the locking mechanism operably connected to theactuator, the locking mechanism comprising a biasing element and a firstfrictional element.
 2. An extendable gun rest, as in claim 1, furthercomprising the first frictional element comprising a first frictionalengaging surface, the biasing element communicating with the firstfrictional element to bias the first frictional engaging surface of thefirst frictional element against an inner surface of the lower elongatedsupport to secure a relative position of the upper elongated support andthe lower elongated support in one of a plurality of lengths.
 3. Anextendable gun rest, as in claim 2, further comprising a secondfrictional element defining a second frictional engaging surface toengage an inner surface of the lower elongated support.
 4. An extendablegun rest, as in claim 3, wherein one side of the inner surface of thelower elongated support defines a notch.
 5. An extendable gun rest, asin claim 3, wherein opposing sides of the inner surface of the lowerelongated support define notches.
 6. An extendable gun rest, as in claim2, the upper elongated support further comprising a sleeve securedwithin the upper cavity, the sleeve defining a longitudinal passage, thebiasing member extending through the longitudinal passage.
 7. Anextendable gun rest, as in claim 6, further comprising the frictionalelement secured to the sleeve.
 8. An extendable gun rest, as in claim 3,the upper elongated support further comprising a sleeve secured withinthe upper cavity, the sleeve defining a longitudinal passage, thebiasing member extending through the longitudinal passage and the firstfrictional element and the second frictional element secured to thesleeve.
 9. A method for adjusting a gun rest, comprising: sliding anactuator movably secured to an upper elongated support from a locked toan unlocked position to release a locking mechanism engaged with aninner surface of a lower elongated support; extending the lowerelongated support relative to the upper elongated support; contacting anunderlying surface; and sliding an actuator movably secured to the upperelongated support from an unlocked to a locked position within anactuator passage to engage the locking mechanism with an inner surfaceof the lower elongated support.